You’ve come to the right place if you want the best camera you can buy, but not spend a lot of money.
You’ll first need to choose the type of camera that you want. They come in many sizes, shapes and price points, with prices ranging between less than $100 and more than $10,000.
Our guide has a lower price range, so you won’t pay more than $2,500. You can still choose from full-frame mirrorless options with the ability to swap lenses, DSLRs with key differences and point-and-shoot cameras, pocket-friendly instant cameras, DSLRs that allow you to take photos in retro style, and action cameras that shoot amazing video.
Each model has been personally tested by us, and we have compiled our recommendations based on their picture quality, handling, features and value.
You’ll find the best best cameras to vlog here, regardless of whether you are looking for one best action camera, top DSLRs or best mirrorless camera.
Which cameras are the best?
The Sony Alpha a6100 is our favorite camera. The compact mirrorless camera can shoot excellent video and photos, and is available for as low as $750. It also comes with a 16-50mm zoom lens. The Sony a6100 features a 24MP sensor that records sharp 4K video and a fast autofocus. The battery lasts for a decent 420 shots. However, you will need to buy an additional battery if it is going to be used frequently.
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is our recommendation for DSLR cameras. This mid-range model has a 24-megapixel sensor, an expandable ISO range of 100-25600 to 51,200, and a battery life of 1240 shots. The camera has many built-in guides to assist novices and can record video at 4K/24 frames per second, which is still quite rare for DSLRs this price. The T8i can also record vertical video and has an audio jack so that you can get better sound quality.
We recommend the Nikon D5600 if you like Nikons. It also takes great photos, handles well and has a tilting touchscreen of 3.2 inches. This camera is great for advanced photographers who want full-featured manual controls. However, it also includes a variety of assisted shooting modes that can be used to teach beginners. The D5600 is slightly older and can only capture video at 1080p/60 FPS.
For all the top camera picks, read on.
These are the best cameras available today
1. Sony a6100
The best camera for most people
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2
Maximum shooting speed: 11 fps
Max video resolution: 4K @ 30 fps
Viewfinder: 0.39 inches, 1.44m dots OLED
Screen: 2.95 inches touchscreen LCD
Size/weight: 4.75 x 2.75 x 2.13 inches; 1 pound
+Superfast, AI driven autofocus system +Sharp HD video and 4K video+External microphone jack
Avoidable reasons
-Sprawling Menu System-Poorly placed Video-Record Butt
The Sony a6100 is not only the best-selling mirrorless camera, but also has the best overall camera quality and a great feature set.
The Sony a6100 is small and well-built. It’s also very comfortable to hold in your hand, and all controls are easily reachable. We were impressed by the Sony a6100’s ability to capture sharp, clear photos in all situations. Its intelligent, fast autofocus and 11fps shooting speed also impressed us. You should be able last an entire day with the battery life rating of 420 shots.
The a6100 can record 4K video and features a microphone jack to pick up better audio. If you need in-body image stabilization, the Sony a6500 and the a6600 are the best options.
It’s still a good deal at around $750 or $850 with a zoom — it is truly a photographic bargain.
2. Canon EOS Rebel T8i
The best DSLR for everyone
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.1
Maximum shooting speed: 7 fps
Max video resolution: 4K @ 24 fps
Viewfinder
Screen: 3.2-inch Swiveling Touchscreen
Size/weight: 5.16x4x3 inches/18.2oz
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Records 4K video+Easy-to-use+Good guides to newbies
Avoidable reasons
No USB charging
The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is the ideal camera for casual photographers looking for a DSLR-style system. The T8i, like its predecessors in the field, takes great photos and comes with a variety of helpful guides that can be used to help beginners learn how to use the camera.
EOS Rebel T8i also has the ability to shoot 4K video. While it is limited at 24 frames per second, this should be sufficient for anyone who wants to create higher-quality videos. The EOS Rebel T8i has a microphone jack to record better audio. It can also shoot vertical video which is ideal for social media.
3. Fujifilm X-T30
Amazing retro-styled mirrorless camera
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 26.1
Maximum shooting speed: 30 fps electronic / 7 fps mechanical
Max video resolution: 4K @ 30 fps
Viewfinder: 0.39 inches; 2.36m dots
Screen: 3-inch articulate touchscreen
Size/weight: 4.7×3.3×1.8inches 13.5 ounces
+Solid image quality+Responsive touchscreen+Excellent feature set
Avoidable reasons
-10 minute 4K recording limit-No in-body image stabilization
The Fujifilm X-T30 mirrorless camera is a great value for money, offering many of the same features as the more expensive X-T3. It’s well worth its spot on our top cameras overall list. We love the retro design and many dials. The touchscreen is also modern and articulating.
The X-T30 can take amazing photos in a variety of lighting conditions. There are many artistic filters and settings to help you get the most out of your images. The X-T30’s fast processor allows you to shoot DCI 4K video at 30 frames per second. You can only record 10-minute clips. If you are looking for video, the Sony a6600 is a better choice.
4. Canon EOS R6
This is a stunning full-frame mirrorless camera
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame, CMOS
Megapixels: 20.1
Maximum shooting speed: 20 fps electronic / 12 mechanical
Max video resolution: 4K @ 60 fps
Viewfinder: 0.5 inches; 3.69m dots OLED
Screen: 3-inch articulate touchscreen
Size/weight: 5.4×3.8×3.5inches; 21 ounces
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Magical autofocus+Class-leading image stabilization+Superior low-light abilities+Crisp and detailed stills+Handles well
Avoidable reasons
-Overheats for 4K video resolution lower than competitors
Although the Canon EOS R6 is among the most expensive cameras on this list it’s also one of the best overall. It’s expensive so it may not be the best camera for everyone. However, if you have the means to afford it, it is a great recommendation.
The R6 is a mirrorless camera that features a full-frame 20MP sensor. It excels in autofocus. It was unerringly accurate in tracking fast-moving subjects, including pets. We have photos of it capturing this feat. The built-in image stability is almost as impressive; with the right Canon lens, it can provide 8 additional stops. It’s also good for 5 without it. We were able to get sharp images handheld at shutter speeds of 2 or 4 seconds. It’s also brilliant in low light. Images shot at ISO 6400 showed very little noise. We took perfectly acceptable images at 102.400.
Unfortunately, 20 megapixels might not be sufficient for all users. The video aspect is also a problem: although it can shoot 4K at 60 frames per second, overheating issues means it can only keep that speed for about 30 minutes. It’s worth the $2,500 price if you prefer stills to video and can afford it.
5. Panasonic Lumix S5
Full-frame hybrid camera is capable of both video and stills.
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full-frame, CMOS
Megapixels: 24.2
Maximum shooting speed: 7 fps
Max video resolution: 4K @ 30 fps
Viewfinder: 2.36m dots OLED
Screen: 3 inch free-angle LCD touchscreen LCD
Size/weight: 5.22×3.82×3.22 inches; 25 ounces
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Near-pro-level features+5-axis image stabilization+Full-frame sensor
Avoidable reasons
-Expensive-Heavy
Although the full-frame Panasonic Lumix S5 might not be a good choice for vloggers due to its small body and many video features inherited from the S1H, it is a worthy candidate. The S5 is a great choice for those looking for a hybrid camera that can do more than vlogging. The S5 offers features that are not usually found in sub-$2000 cameras, making it a great value for money. If time code, waveforms, vectorscope, and LUT are important to you and your video vocabulary, then the S5 is a good choice.
Five-axis image stability delivers five stops of OIS. With a stabilized L mount lens, that number jumps to 6.5 stops. The S5’s attractive features include a bright, fully-articulating LCD and dual card slots. They also have microphone and headphone jacks. You can charge your phone via USB and keep it charged. Although it’s not the best camera, this full-framer is a great choice for anyone who needs it.
6. Nikon D5600
Nikon’s Best DSLR for Less Than $1,000
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: DX format CMOS
Megapixels: 24.2
Maximum shooting speed: 5 fps
Max video resolution: 1080p @ 60 fps
Viewfinder: Optic
Screen: 3.2-inch Swiveling LCD Touchscreen LCD
Size/weight: 5.9×3.8×2.8in/16.4oz
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Top-notch image quality+Responsive performances+Solid set of practical and creative features
Avoidable reasons
-Minimal hand control for video-No 4K
The Nikon D5600 is a great camera for anyone looking for a Nikon DSLR. It features a 24-megapixel sensor and a 3.2-inch touchscreen. Also, it can be used with many lenses. We found that it produced great photos and had a wide ISO range. Its battery life was also a big plus. With 970 shots, it was able to last us through a full day of shooting. It features Nikon’s classic d-pad, a variety of knobs and dials, making it a great choice for advanced photographers who want full-featured manual controls. However, there are a few assisted shooting modes that can be used to teach beginners.
The D5600 can only capture video at 1080p/60fps. This is one of our complaints. It’s reasonable for a camera this expensive, and the microphone jack is also included. It’s all a great kit.
7. Sony Alpha a6600
A great mirrorless camera for video
Specifications
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2
Maximum shooting speed: 11 fps
Max video resolution: 4K @ 60 fps
Viewfinder: 0.39 inch 2.3m dot OLED
Screen: 3-inch articulating touchscreen LCD
Size/weight: 4.7×2.7×2.3 inches; 17 ounces
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Real-time autofocus tracking+Extended eye autofocus+5-axis image stabilization+High-capacity battery
Avoidable reasons
Only one memory card slot
The Sony a6600 is the highest-end of Sony’s Alpha series of APS-C mirrorless cameras. It has an excellent processor, a wide ISO range (100-32,000), AI-enabled autofocusing in stills and video, 5-axis image stabilization, 4K/60 fps, and a fast 11 fps shooting rate. This camera is one of the most affordable options available. It can take up to 720 shots.
We were impressed by the quality of the images and video, as well the ease with which the camera was handled in our Sony a6600 reviews. It is made from a sturdy magnesium-alloy frame and is both dust- and moisture-resistant. The large electronic viewfinder is bright and easy to use. It also has a touchscreen of 3 inches that can be flipped up or down by 74 degrees. The a6600 is a great option if you don’t mind paying full freight for the full-frame a7 camera from Sony.
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (Image credit to Future)
8. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
4K video for a small budget
Specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.1
Maximum shooting speed: 5 fps
Max video resolution: 4K @ 24 fps
Viewfinder: Optic
Screen: 3-inch articulating touchscreen LCD
Size/weight: 4.8×3.7×2.8inches; 15.8 ounces
Today’s Top Deals
There are many reasons to buy
+Fully articulated touchscreen+4K Video+Excellent Battery Life
Avoidable reasons
-Modest points of AF-Not compatible 3rd-party flash devices
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR is the cheapest that can shoot 4K video at less than $700, and that includes a lens. This camera is small and lightweight and comes with a variety of in-camera tips and guides. The 3-inch articulate touch screen on the EOS Rebel SL3 makes it easy to capture photos at odd angles.
This camera can take good video and photos in general. However, its internal image stabilization is not very effective and the hot shoe won’t work well with third-party flash devices. This model is intended for beginners and has very slow shooting speeds. It’s an excellent DSLR for beginners.
